Young people testify to joy of Gospel

32 young Catholics aged 17-34 planned this year’s rally, themed The Joy of the Gospel, following their experience at the annual SOW programme.

Singapore

Mar 26 2014, 3:44 PM

The School of Witness participants during a performance.

The School of Witness (SOW) participants put on performances and gave testimonies before a 750-strong crowd during the annual Testify to Love rally held at Catholic Junior College in Singapore on March 8.

32 young Catholics aged 17-34 planned this year’s rally, themed The Joy of the Gospel, following their experience at the annual SOW programme.

SOW, which is now in its sixth year, is a nine-week formation programme that helps participants to deepen their relationship with God and discover their call for evangelisation.

The rally comprised a series of skits, mimes, testimonies and worship sessions that showcased not only the diverse talents of the young people, but also their stories about how they conquered many problems and barriers to renew their relationship with God.

One of the skits that wowed the audience revolved around a scientist’s discovery that factors such as riches, power, friendship, relationships and careers could not compare to the importance of Jesus as a means of building a strong foundation that can weather the storms of life.

The theme about searching for happiness also resonated in Archbishop William Goh’s keynote address to the audience at the rally.

Reflecting on the Gospel story of Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man, Archbishop Goh cautioned the audience against living a life of security based on just observing commandments and on wealth.

“Life must be about adventure. Don’t be like the rich young man; he was safe, but too safe. Take risks! If you have a call, take the risk. Don’t be afraid,” he added.

This year’s rally and SOW were organised by the newly-reformed Archdiocesan youth office, the Office of Young People.